Sunday, December 6

Beat Cold and Flu Season with a Warm Bowl of North African Inspired Sweet Potato, Peanut Butter, and Paprika Soup

Cold and flu season is upon us. I know. It's only December 6th, and I have been sick three times.

Like most people, I try to pinpoint when I got sick. Was it the day I forgot to use the disinfectant wipes on the grocery cart handle? Was it that sneezy kid in the elevator? Ooh, I know who it was -- that guy who hacked all over the coffee counter at Starbucks.

I realize that this line of investigation is futile, but when I can't swallow, my ears ache, and my nose looks like Rudolph, I'm looking for retribution.

Fortunately, this North African Inspired Sweet Potato, Peanut Butter, and Paprika Soup calms me right down. Roasting the potatoes first ehances their natural sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness that contrasts deliciously with earthy peanut butter and fragrant sweet paprika. After a piping hot bowl of such goodness, looking like Rudolph doesn't seem so bad after all.

Want to share in our big, festive Eat Christmas Cookies event? Find out how here. (Several Santa prizes will be given out throughout the event.) And check out the stash of Christmas cookies we've gotten so far.

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with tinfoil (for easy clean up). Brush the flesh of the sweet potatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil; roast flesh side down for 40-45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Cool. Scoop out the flesh, and discard the skins.

3. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth; return to the pot over low heat. Add the cream, lime juice, and cilantro; stir occasionally until the soup is thoroughly heated, 8-10 minutes. Season to taste with salt. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add a bit more broth until desired consistency is reached.

I love to make a version of this soup with a variety of winter squash: a little bit of butternut, buttercup, blue hubbard, acorn, whatever I have on hand. And I always throw in a sweet potato, too. Hope this is the end of the cold/flu season for you!

those three sound really interesting together, but it makes sense. i still have some sweet potatoes laying around i could use...but i'll have to make sure my dog's nose doesn't make it into the finished product this time. feel better!